Wifi-ing an older laptop

[MickDB1]

hey up
I have a Dell c610 laptop, its an old un but it works
I am hopefully off abroard and want to keep in touch with folk - yes I have a mobile phone but emails are easier
any ideas please what I should get to access Macshitties or other free wifi services or maybe even "others if they work"
Do I fit a wifi card and thats it or do I need a dongle thingy that fits in me usb hole
I am a IT numpty as you can guess
Also if you use the wifi do-dah at macshitties or similar can you skype talk to someone
Hopefully not embarasin anyone tooooo much with my ignorance - I am learning fast but may run out of time before I get all the answers
Mick

 

[dazchallenge]

Hi Mick, it can be done, see these links. First one tells you how to do it, second more help.

http//www.ehow.com/how_5463730_install-wifi-card-dell-c.html

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=115751

Cheers
andy

 

[dazchallenge]

Sorry Mick first link broken, type 'How to Install a WiFi Card in a Dell C610' into google and get link.

 

[(RIP) Kaister]

just get a pcmcia wifi card - or alternatively a internet in a key usb thingy

 

[MickDB1]

Ok and thanks for the quick replys
It just seem tooo easy to do I thought I was missing summat
Would anyone think that a usb one would be better than a built in card
If the built in one gets the nod I will get one and fit it
The usb one surely would be something else to loose or knock off/out
Thanks again for your help

 

[nick.ct]

USB one is likely to be cheaper than a dedicated one for your laptop and you'd be able to use it on other laptops or PCs.
There's the wifi type USB dongle, obviously for wifi access to the internet whereever you have accessable wifi coverage and there's the USB dongle with a SIM card that connects directly to a mobile phone network to provide internet access. Some dongles do both and are more expensive.

 

[MickDB1]

Sorted it out got a PCMCIA card pluged it in and installed software
jobs a good-un
Thanks for your help

Hope to help some else sometime

 

[Myke Rocks]

PCMCIA WIFI card

Just be careful with the PCMCIA card where it sticks out of the computer.
I have a friend who has broken 2 by knocking up against them. the joint between plastic & metal is quite delicate.
Myke

 

[exeter_lad]

Internal card?

You could always buy an internal wireless card. There is one on ebay (Wireless WIFI Card 4 Dell C840 C610 C600 C400 C810 4000) for £8.99 post free.

 

[CliveS]

Netgear make a USB wireless adaptor. "WG111" Very good software and is easy to plug in when needed or to remove when not.

 

[(RIP) Kaister]

Just be careful with the PCMCIA card where it sticks out of the computer.
I have a friend who has broken 2 by knocking up against them. the joint between plastic & metal is quite delicate.
Myke

going to be a lot more robust than a usb key sticking out.

your 'friend' must be a really clumsy oaf to have broken 2,
1 is bad luck, 2 is just dumb.

of course, with 'new for old house insurance you could just ride it downstairs like a tea tray and say the cat knocked it over.

the new replacement will have a wifi card in it

 

[ExpatinIstanbul]

You could have connected through your phone, if it's new enough to have WiFi capability. Which is utterly useless advice now you're sorted, but I thought I'd throw it into the pot.

 

[Myke Rocks]

damage to wifi cards

going to be a lot more robust than a usb key sticking out.

your 'friend' must be a really clumsy oaf to have broken 2,
1 is bad luck, 2 is just dumb.

of course, with 'new for old house insurance you could just ride it downstairs like a tea tray and say the cat knocked it over.

the new replacement will have a wifi card in it

My friend damaged one at home by setting the computer down & the card touched the table first.
Her husband did the same thing at his office.

No. when you look at the cards, they are very delicate just where they stick out of the computer. (especially the Netgear one)
I replaced with USB ones & short flexible leads.
Both computers are steam powered, & internal cards not available. On a personal level, I would use them for lining the bottom of a skip to prevent paint damage (to the skip) when throwing in rubble.
Myke